The Gentleman Angler. Containing Short, Plain and Easy Instructions whereby the most ignorant Beginner, may in a little Time, become a perfect Artist in Angling ... to which is added the Angler's New Song ...,

[xii], 184, [8] pp. 12mo, London: A. Bettesworth, at the Red-Lyon, 1726. First edition, with half-title. Bound in nineteenth-century green polished calf, gilt spine. Spine sunned, else about fine. Bookplates of Mr. J.F. Jones, Samuel Houston MacFarland & an early armorial one of Thomas Middleton.

First edition of this manual, one of the earliest of its kind. It has been attributed to one George Smith, and contains the first appearance of the charming "Angler's Song" (cf. Gingrich, Fishing in Print, p. 97), as well as recipes, strategies for each species, fly-tying, etc. It quickly became a standard handbook of the eighteenth century, was reprinted with additions in 1736 through 1786, then again in several forms under various titles as late as 1828 in London, under the title The Angler's Guide ... By a lover of the art." Westwood & Satchel, pp. 104-105.

Item #240398       Price: $2,000.00